Best Easy Arroz con Chepil Recipe

Rice cooked with fragrant chepil leaves, a beloved herb from Oaxaca and Chiapas. This vegetarian, aromatic family side dish showcases a uniquely southern Mexican flavor.

Cook 40 min Difficulty EASY 220 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • long grain white rice 1.5 cups
  • chepil leaves (fresh, cleaned and roughly chopped) 1 cup
  • yellow onion (finely chopped) 0.5 cup
  • garlic cloves (minced) 2 cloves
  • vegetable broth 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 69%
Protein 5 g 9%
Fat 5 g 22%
Serving size 165g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened, being careful not to brown.

  2. 2

    Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the rice and cook, stirring often, until the rice becomes slightly translucent and very lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Pour in the vegetable broth and stir, ensuring all rice is submerged and any stuck grains are released. Raise the heat to bring the liquid to a gentle boil.

  4. 4

    Once boiling, stir in the chepil leaves and salt, mixing well. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18–20 minutes without lifting the lid.

  5. 5

    Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before serving for ideal texture and even distribution of chepil.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Arroz con Chepil recipe?
The essential ingredient is fresh chepil leaves, which give the rice its signature earthy aroma and southern Mexican character. Combined with rice, onions, and garlic, the chepil imparts a delicate, herbal flavor that defines this regional dish.
Q. How should I manage heat for perfectly cooked rice?
Begin by sautéing the onion and garlic over medium heat, then lightly toast the rice without browning. Once broth is added and the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer gently without lifting the lid for even cooking and to preserve moisture.
Q. How do I avoid mushy or undercooked rice?
To prevent mushy rice, use the exact amount of broth listed and keep the lid tightly closed during simmering. Letting the rice rest off heat for 10 minutes before fluffing allows excess moisture to distribute evenly, ensuring each grain is distinct and tender.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in each serving?
Each serving (165g) of Arroz con Chepil provides approximately 220 kcal, with 38g of carbohydrates (69% of total calories), 5g of protein (9%), and 5g of fat (22%).
AI 채팅 아이콘